ID#: 7307
Caption:
At a magnification of 2858X, this 2005 scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image revealed a number of red blood cells found enmeshed in a fibrinous matrix on the luminal surface of an indwelling vascular catheter. Note the biconcave cytomorphologic shape of each erythrocyte, which increases the surface area of these hemoglobin-filled cells, thereby, promoting a greater degree of gas exchange, which is their primary function in an in vivo setting. In their adult phase, these cells possess no nucleus. What appears to be irregularly-shaped chunks of debris, are actually fibrin clumps, which when inside the living organism, functions as a key component in the process of blood clot formation, acting to entrap the red blood cells in a mesh-like latticework of proteinaceous strands, thereby, stabilizing and strengthening the clot, in much the same way, rebar acts to strengthen, and reinforce cement.
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Content Provider(s): CDC/ Janice Haney Carr
Creation Date: 2005
Photo Credit: Janice Haney Carr
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